The Fugitive Box Set

2

Lucy

February 2009

I can’t believe Patrick De Luca just talked to you. Maria squealed as she grabbed Lucy’s arm.

Lucy grinned and bit her lip, feeling all gooey and excited as she watched Patrick walk away after congratulating her. He flicked his dark hair out of his eyes, his long strides looking confident and sexy.

Lucy blushed.

Everything about him was swoon-worthy. His dark brown eyes, his mocha skin, the way his voice lilted with that slight Italian accent of his. It wasn’t strong, but his parents both spoke Italian so it was there.

Sigh. He spoke Italian!

Biting her lips together, Lucy grabbed Maria’s fingers, which were still gripping her forearm, and let out a little squeak.

I know! Maria started jumping. And you’re gonna get to kiss him!

The wind flew out of Lucy’s lungs, suddenly making her feel faint. The smile dropped from her lips and she scrambled for air, the euphoric feelings from her afternoon vanishing as reality kicked in.

Breathe. Maria rubbed her shoulder. It’s okay.

Lucy nodded, pulling shaking fingers through her blonde hair.

Sweetie, you have nothing to be afraid of. It’s only a play. Maria started dragging her toward the road. They checked both ways before crossing and making their way home from Palms Middle School. Maria lived about two blocks from Lucy. They always walked to her place first and then Lucy walked the rest of the way on her own. Today, she was actually glad for it. It would give her a chance to rein in all her zinging emotions. They were like a hoard of flies buzzing in her stomach, sending her from elation to pure terror.

It’s the spring musical, Maria. Everyone’s going to be there.

Yes, to watch you, because you’re brilliant.

Really? You think so? Lucy bit her lip.

You just got the lead role, playing alongside Patrick De Luca. Hello? Practically every girl in the eighth grade wanted it.

Lucy grinned; Maria was right. Seeing her name up on the board outside the drama room that afternoon had nearly made her faint. She got it. All her audition practice paid off and she would be starring in the spring musical. Not only did she get to sing her heart out and act, which was one of life’s greatest pleasures, but she’d also get to give Patrick De Luca a quick peck on the lips. Unless Mrs. Blomfield took that part out, but Lucy had a pretty strong feeling she wouldn’t.

Nerves attacked once again, making her reach for Maria’s hand.

Are you sure I can do this?

Maria pulled them to a stop and adjusted the bag on her shoulder before looking Lucy in the eye. Lucy Tate. You are the most talented, amazing person I know. You deserve this role. Remember what Mrs. Blomfield said in your audition? You’re a natural. You could pretend to be anyone and people would believe you. You’re gonna be the star of the show, and I’m so proud of you.

Lucy blushed, her smile taking over her entire face.

Your parents are going to go nuts. They’ll be so proud of you too.

Warming at the thought of telling her two biggest supporters, Lucy threaded her arm through Maria’s and started them walking again.

Will you practice lines with me?

Yes. Maria nodded.

Will you tell me not to spaz out and make sure my butt gets to rehearsal on time?

Yes. She nodded again.

Do you think Patrick will fall in love with me and kiss me for real once the musical’s over?

Maria giggled. Most definitely.

Lucy chuckled at the sound of Maria’s sweet laughter. The girl was like the chocolate chips in a cookie. All sweet surprises encased in a golden soul. They had become best friends within a week of starting Palms Middle School together.

Now, at the age of thirteen, they both felt like the world was their oyster. They would be starting high school together soon and Lucy couldn’t wait.

At that moment, life was perfect.

3

Zach

March 2014

As usual the cafeteria was crowded. I took my tray and followed Elliot out to where AJ and Liesl were sitting. Now that we were finally seniors we more often than not scored the table on the edge of the quad. It was the best spot in our opinion. Near the grass and shaded by the edge of a big oak tree, it was far enough away from the chaos, but near enough to watch the student body trundle past. We’d seen some interesting things in our four years at Monte Vista High.

Danville was a small pocket of a town near San Francisco. I moved here when I was eight. My grandfather died, leaving my dad this really healthy inheritance, and they decided they wanted to try small-town life for a while. So they picked one of the wealthiest towns in California. I’m not sure if that’s why Mom had always loved Danville or not, but when they both scored teaching jobs here, we packed our Sacramento bags and headed closer to the coast. I really love it. It’s a cool town and I’d made cool friends. I’m not saying I didn’t want to spread my wings and see some more of the world, but as far as childhoods go, I think it’s safe to admit that I’d had a pretty sweet ride, and I was grateful for it.

I slid my tray onto the table and took a seat, tucking my bag behind my feet.

So, which one’s the new flame? AJ arched his eyebrow. It popped up above his thick-rimmed, rectangular glasses. He was wearing his bright orange pair today. So AJ. The guy’s fashion sense was off the charts.

I unwrapped my sandwich, giving him a droll look before firing a warning shot at Elliot.

What! He threw his hands up. I haven’t had a chance to tell them yet.

It was Jaeda actually. Liesl’s smile was all sweet like.

Damn it, that grin could win any guy over. I snorted out a chuckle and picked at my sandwich.

Liesl was one of the most beautiful girls I’d ever met. She was long and lean with dark floating hair and deep brown eyes. Her model looks turned most heads—guys and girls. But the best thing about her was…she didn’t notice any of them. She was the nicest, sweetest human being on the planet and she proved it on a daily basis.

So? AJ kicked me under the table. Which one?

Knowing they wouldn’t let up until I gave in, I swiveled my head and scanned the area for her. She’s not here. I turned back and took a large bite of my ham and cheese sandwich, hoping to stall any conversation for a minute.

There she is. Elliot pointed over my head and we all turned, very unsubtly, to take a look.

Thankfully Dani was looking the other way so she couldn’t see us all gawking at her. Her thin frame eased through the traffic, her straw-colored hair catching on the breeze, a few wisps tickling her delicate nose. She had an apple in her hand and as she turned in our direction, I quickly spun around.

She headed past us without looking our way. I nearly called out for her to join us, but somehow I knew she’d politely refuse.

I watched her walk over the green grass and head for an isolated tree. I would have kept studying her if AJ hadn’t kicked me again.

Would you quit it? I kicked him back.

He gave me his big, cheesy grin. The one that made his round cheeks score with deep dimples. What is it with you and skinny waifs anyway?

I frowned, pointing at Liesl. What are you talking about? You’re dating one.

Wrapping his large arm around his slight girlfriend, he gave me a pointed look. Liesl Ekland is not a waif. She is a gift from heaven. An angel in human form, sent to dwell among us.

We all rolled our eyes as AJ began his standard speech about the love of his life.

Oh no, he’s not doing the Liesl speech, is he? Jaeda dumped her bag on the table as Liesl elbowed her boyfriend with a blush.

Angus, stop it.

Elliot and I snickered. AJ hated being called Angus. As a kid, he used to demolish anyone who even muttered it, but Liesl loved the name. She thought it was adorable and refused to call him anything else. He let her, because he was totally in love with her, but Elliot and I couldn’t stop the snickers every time we heard it.

He cut his lengthy ode to Liesl short and then turned the heat right back to me.

As I was saying… He cleared his throat. What’s with the goofy look on your face? You’re not going down this path again, are ya?

What path? You guys, it’s just curiosity.

My friends collectively groaned.

Do we need to list them? Jaeda grabbed my hand, batting her blue-lined lashes at me.

I shook my head and slid my hand away, then rolled my eyes as they started listing them anyway.

The witch from Junior year. Remember how you thought you were cursed for like the whole summer? Liesl grimaced.

I wasn’t cursed. I tried to brush it off, pretending that I didn’t spend three months freaking out that the girl had hexed me like she said she would when I broke up with her.

The crier from 2011. Ugh! Elliot pretended to gag.

I rolled my eyes, but that was a fair call. Suzette Pearce cried over everything. At first it was sweet and I could comfort her, but then it just got exhausting. Breaking up with her was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Memories of her screeching wail still sent shivers down my spine.

The cheerleader. Jaeda could barely get the words out. She had always been disgusted by Bambi.

That was like two dates.

Two dates too many. Her eyes bulged.

And then there’s the stalker of 2010. Elliot winced.

Lest we forget. AJ used his deep dramatic voice.

Hey, she was sweet. I pointed at them both.

To start with, yeah, but then the checking in every three seconds began. The whole making sure she knew where you were and what you were wearing. AJ made a face.

Insisting that you didn’t go anywhere without her. Liesl tipped her head.

And then the spying. Yikes. Jaeda’s nose wrinkled.

She wasn’t a spy, I sputtered.

Dude. Elliot squeezed my shoulder. She sat outside your house for like a month after you dumped her. Secret agent—most definitely not. Creeparoonus? One hundred percent.

I grimaced. Okay, so it wasn’t great.

You mean to say, thank the Lord her family moved to Australia. Jaeda’s ringed fingers spread wide. She always talked with her hands, particularly when she was exasperated.

I just don’t understand your obsessive desire to protect women all the time. Elliot frowned.

Maybe it’s because you’re short. Jaeda looked completely serious. You know, looking after girls makes you feel taller and more powerful or something. Feeds into your ‘knight in shining armor’ desire. Makes you feel more manly.

I’d never wanted to throttle her more.

I’m not that short, I said between gritted teeth.

Okay, the girl you’re crushing on is taller than you, but whatevs. She flicked her hand and raised her eyebrows.

Thank God I was taller than the say-it-like-it-is redhead or I’d never hear the end of it.

Jae, you know you’re not supposed to talk about his height. AJ put on his father figure voice. Zach is very sensitive about his height…or serious lack of it.

Thanks, Goliath. I threw my sandwich crust at my six-foot-two-inch friend. He bashed it away with a chuckle.

I hate you. I hate you all. I pointed my other crust in their direction. And Dani is not taller than me, we’re the same height.

Until she puts on a pair of heels, Jaeda mumbled and then sputtered when I shot her a glare. Which she doesn’t look the type to even wear, so it’s all good. She slapped my arm and winked at me, putting on her cutsie grin, which I found impossible to resist.

My lips twitched.

We’re serious though, Zach. Liesl tipped her head as she reached for my hand. She laid her delicate fingers over mine. We just don’t want to see you get stalked or cried on…

Or Bambi bitch-slapped again, Jaeda finished for her.

I had no choice but to finally let my smile show. I’ve never denied I was an idiot in the love department.

But…

Looking across to the tree Dani was nestled against, I took a second to watch her lick a drop of apple juice off her lower lip. She seemed oblivious to the world as she read the book in her lap…or did she?

This is different, you guys. I shook my head. I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I’m attracted to her, but it’s not just her looks. There’s something about her. She’s intriguing. It’s like she’s not all she appears to be or something.

You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break. Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table.

Liesl snaffled it up before it flew away and with a motherly look of reprimand made him take it back. He snatched it with a grumble, tucking it under his lunch tray.

I realize that I don’t know her at all yet, but I can tell there’s something more there. I rubbed my bottom lip.

She looks normal to me. AJ shrugged.

I think she’s pretty. She looks sweet, but… Liesl turned to spy her quickly. AJ’s right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?

It’s something about her eyes. There’s a story in them. I can’t even explain why I think that. I just feel like she’s got a lot of layers, and I want to peel back every single one of them.

I bet you do. Elliot raised his eyebrows.

Not like that. I threw him a droll look. I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison.

Dude, there is no mystery. Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.

Yes there is. I can feel it.

Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing. Jaeda’s green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.

I don’t care. I shrugged, confident in my perceptive abilities. That girl over there has secrets and I’m gonna figure out what they are.

She suddenly looked my way, piercing me with those eyes of hers. Even with the distance, they affected me. My breath was snatched away before I could raise my lips to a smile. The edge of her mouth quirked to the side as she closed her book and packed her things into her bag. She didn’t look at me again as she rose, brushing off her jeans and heading away from our table. I kept my eyes on her, stupidly unabashed. Part of me wanted her to know I was studying her.

Flicking her fine hair over her shoulder, she politely made her way through a group of students. Her manners were impeccable. She was self-assured and capable. All those things made her different from the girls I’d made the mistake of falling for in the past.

Not that I was falling for this one, I reminded myself quickly.

I couldn’t deny that tug though. It always started as an urge to protect the girl. I could easily figure out why I’d ended up dating all my past errors, but what had me stumped this time was why I was so captured by a girl who didn’t look as though she needed any kind of protection. Why did I feel an overwhelming urge to hide her away, tuck her in my arms and tell her I wouldn’t let the world hurt her?

My friends were laughing over AJ’s latest culinary class. He told the best stories about his teachers. Everyone was in hysterics except me. I was too busy watching Dani disappear around the corner.

Watching.

Wondering.

My parents always said that they found out more about a student during parent/teacher conferences than any other time of the year.

To some degree, everyone is a product of their upbringing. That’s what Mom always said.

I couldn’t help wondering what Dani’s parents said about her.

4

Lucy

February 2009

The table was set, the meal was cooked. Lucy’s mom placed the plates of hot food at each setting and they were all pulling their chairs out to sit down when Lucy couldn’t hold it in anymore.

I got the part. She beamed.

The part of Milly? Edith Tate’s eyes grew wide with excitement.

Uh-huh! Lucy’s head was bobbing stupidly, but she didn’t care. The look of pride on her dad’s face would keep her happy for weeks. He stepped away from his chair and enveloped her in one of his bear hugs. She nestled her head against his chest and squeezed back.

So, so proud of you, Lulu. He kissed the top of her head and pulled back, holding her at arm’s length to give her a wide smile.

She grinned back and bit the edge of her lip.

Let’s eat before the food gets cold. Her mother pulled out her chair and sat down. Flicking out her napkin, she laid it over her lap and clasped her hands together. They said a quick grace and as soon as everyone had said Amen, Edith touched Lucy’s hand. Have you got the script? We can start practicing tonight.

Yeah, it’s in my bag. Lucy picked up her fork and pierced a carrot slice.

So how did you find out? Tell us the story. Her father cut off a square of meatloaf and smothered it with mashed potatoes.

Forgetting about her food, Lucy dove into a lengthy story, not leaving out one detail. She even talked about how Patrick congratulated her at the end of the day. She was sure she was blushing up a storm. Her parents both grinned at her, obviously trying to hide their laughter.

Shut up, you guys. She flicked her hand.

This set them off and they were all soon laughing.

At the end of the meal, Lucy’s mom suggested they treat themselves to a scoop of ice cream to celebrate.

Sweetie, run down to the freezer and grab it for me, will you?

Sure. Lucy jumped up and headed for the basement stairs off the kitchen, listening to the clink of cutlery being gathered up for rinsing.

She never liked the basement much. It was always so dark and creepy. That was probably because she never bothered turning on the light when she went down there. Her priority was only to run to the chest freezer and back out again, so she didn’t see the point of fussing with the string light switch that dangled in the middle of the room.

Above the freezer was one tiny window that was never opened. A large cobweb covered the left pane of glass; she couldn’t see a spider in it, but yuck! She shivered, dashing over the cold concrete on her bare feet.

Most of the surfaces were covered with dust. Her parents often talked about gutting the area, re-walling it and putting carpet in. They had plans to make it a fun rumpus room area for Lucy and her friends. They had plans…and that was all.

Still on tiptoes, Lucy lifted the chest freezer lid, wriggling the ice cream tub free from beneath a loaf of bread and a frozen meal. Holding it with her finger and thumb, she slammed the freezer closed and looked up at the little window. With another shiver, she raced out of the room and up the stairs.

She was about to swing the door open, but the tone of her parents’ conversation made her pause. The cold ice cream container was freezing her fingertips, but somehow she just knew she couldn’t interrupt this conversation. She shifted, spying her mother through the crack in the door. She was stacking the dishwasher with the last plate. Shutting the door with a concerned frown, Edith turned back to Lucy’s father.

Well, have you gathered enough evidence?

I think so. He rubbed his forehead. I guess I’m just worried if I jump too soon that it’ll get squashed. I need to play this right. Her dad sighed.

Sweetie, you will. Edith placed her hands on his shoulders, squeezing gently. You can’t ignore what you’ve found. You have to expose him.

I know. I know. He ran his finger down the chain of her necklace, squeezing the emerald pendant he’d given her two weeks earlier. She’d swooned over the birthday present every day since. But I’m only an analyst and he’s…

He’s a criminal.

People don’t see him that way, Eddie.

I don’t care what his job title is, he’s acting like a criminal and therefore he is one.

Not until he’s caught and convicted. If he finds out what I’ve been doing… Her father shook his head.

Honey, he’s breaking the law. It’s your duty to stop him.

Lucy couldn’t see her father’s face, but she guessed his expression was grave. Her mother’s forehead wrinkled with sympathy as she touched his face.

I fear the risks. The implications it might have on all of us. If this goes wrong…

We can handle it. We’re a strong family unit, and Lucy and I will stand beside you all the way.

I just want you to be safe.

You’ll play this right and we will be. Her smile was sweet as she pulled him into a tight embrace, but Lucy spotted a glimpse of fear in her hazel orbs.

She had no idea what her father was up to or what he had discovered, but her heart was pounding. Whoever they were talking about sounded really dangerous.

The ice cream was about ready to slip from her fingers and she knew it was time to reveal herself.

The doorbell rang as she eased into the kitchen. Her father put on a brave smile as she plonked the ice cream onto the counter, but his blue eyes didn’t sparkle like they usually did. On reflection, they had actually been dull and tense for several weeks now. She knew something was up at his work, but he never talked about his job with her. Ever.

Lucy tried to pretend she hadn’t heard a thing, pasting on a grin as she listened to the front door open.

Hello. Her mother’s greeting was clipped and strained, making her father frown. He squeezed Lucy’s shoulder and peeked a look in the entranceway.

His skin turned a pale gray, his eyes lighting with instant terror.

Hide, he whispered.

What? Lucy frowned.

Go. Now. Her father pointed. Hide.

Lucy stumbled back to the basement door, totally confused until she heard the front door slam shut and her mother scream.

Get your hands off her! Her dad’s yell was followed by a silenced gunshot. He fell to the kitchen floor with a wail, clutching his shoulder. With the other hand he grappled for the phone in his pocket. The intruder walked into the room, his hand around Edith’s throat. He slammed her against the kitchen wall before letting her go and stamping on her father’s hand. His fingers crunched around the phone.

Lucy crouched on the top step and covered her mouth, squashing her rapid breaths. Her eyes were large and filling with tears as she listened to her father’s cry and then watched blood spurt from his mouth as he was kicked in the face.

No! Please! Leave him! Her mother’s voice was high and screechy. She earned a punch to the cheek for her cries. She covered her face with shaking hands, sobs wrenching her body.

What do you have on me, Jack? The tall man’s voice was cold, like ice cubes clinking into the room. Each word hit the air, filling it with a sense of foreboding that had Lucy’s heart crumpling into a little ball. She didn’t recognize the man, but she was guessing he was the criminal they’d just been talking about.

The man reached for her mother, yanking her up by the hair and shoving her into view of her father. He was still lying on the ground spitting blood from his mouth.

What do you have on me? The man repeated his first question, sounding bored and frustrated at having to ask twice.

Lucy’s father shook his head, fear pulsing from him. She could feel it through the basement door. The man took in a slow breath, his pale green eyes sparking. With a little sniff, he pressed his gun into Edith’s leg and fired.

Her scream was agonizing.

Lucy’s face bunched with horror as tears popped over her lashes. Her mother writhed as she was dropped to the floor, clutching her leg. Squeezing her eyes shut, Lucy turned away and covered her ears, but it didn’t help. She could still hear everything.

Stop it! Please, her father begged.

Tell me what you have.

Lucy could tell her dad didn’t want to give an inch. She could feel his fight. Unable to help herself, she opened her eyes and peered back through the crack.

The man was running his hand through his white-blond hair with a frustrated sigh. He then pointed his gun at her mom’s other leg.

Okay! Wait! Jack raised his hands. Files, okay. I have proof of the money trails. I know about your affiliation with the gang and I have evidence of the bribery.

Anything else?

Lucy’s father paused. Licking his bottom lip, he shook his head.

Good. The man nodded.

The gun went off, eliciting another scream from her mother. Lucy couldn’t quite see what part of her anatomy he’d shot, but she was in serious pain. Her suffering was loud and heartbreaking.

Stop it. Stop it! her dad screamed.

I want you to give it to me. The man held out his hand.

I can’t. Jack’s voice shook. I don’t have it on me.

Pursing his lips, the man looked across the kitchen, trying to rein in his anger maybe. It was hard for Lucy to tell. His left eye twitched and the gun went off again. This time Edith’s head jerked to the side and her body went limp, her cries of pain silenced.

NO! Edith!

Lucy wanted to scream with her father, but she bit her lips together and held back the sobs. Terror was rippling through her body. She clutched the doorknob, keeping herself from tumbling down the basement stairs. She wanted to run for her life, but she couldn’t leave her father.

Take me to it.

Go to hell!

Jack, the man chided. Is that any way to speak to an officer of the law?

You just killed my wife! I’m not giving you anything!

Crouching down, the man grabbed Jack by the hair and jerked his head back. His pale eyes gleamed. I know you have a daughter, too. She’s here, isn’t she?

No, her father croaked.

Don’t lie to me, Jack. I’m gonna find her and I’m gonna make her suffer until you tell me everything I want to know.

She’s not here.

Lucy? the man shouted. Lucy, honey, come into the kitchen.

Lucy’s shoulders tensed, her muscles quivering as she stayed as still as possible behind the door.

Come out, come out, wherever you are? he singsonged.

She’s not here! And even if I did give you what you want, you can’t access it without me.

What do you mean? Pale eyes narrowed in on Lucy’s father.

You need me to gain access to those files.

You’ve put some bullshit encryption on them, haven’t you?

Lucy waited for some kind of response, but her father wouldn’t budge.

Damn it, Jack, you’re making my life hard today. Standing tall, he hauled Lucy’s father up and slammed him against the kitchen wall. Well, let me just go find Lucy, and then we’ll head to your office and see if we can’t gain access to those files, okay?

Removing a pair of handcuffs, he moved to wrap them around Jack’s wrists when the beaten man suddenly pushed back, catching the intruder off guard.

They stumbled back together, crunching into the kitchen counter. Spinning in a rage, Jack lunged at his wife’s killer, wrestling for control of the gun. The man grunted, kicking at Jack’s legs. He fell with a crunch, but wouldn’t release the gun, pulling the man down with him.

Rolling across the floor, they continued to wrestle for control when suddenly the gun went off once more. Lucy flinched, going statue still as she waited for the winner to arise.

It wasn’t Jack Tate.

The attacker stood, his shirt now stained with another man’s blood.

Lucy covered her mouth, trying to muffle the sound of her rapid breathing.

The man stared down at the lifeless forms on the kitchen floor and swore.

Kicking Jack’s dead body, he cursed again.

Lucy! Where are you! His thundering voice ripped the frozen fear from Lucy’s belly, zapping her into action.

A jolt shot through her muscles. She scurried down the stairs, slipping on the last few and tumbling onto the hard concrete floor.

Lucy! You can’t hide from me!

Ignoring the pain, she scrambled to her feet and jumped onto the chest freezer. The terror pulsing through her system outweighed her spider phobia and she placed her hands on the window, pushing it with a grunt.

Come on, she whimpered. Please open.

Lu-cy! Where are you?

She whipped her head back as she heard a door creak open, but it wasn’t the basement. She listened to the creaking floorboards above. He was in the living room. She froze still, worried he’d hear her or see her scampering out of the window, if she could get the damn thing open!

Finally the footsteps moved out of the living area and sounded as though they were headed for the stairwell leading up to her room. With rapid breaths she turned back to the window and pushed with every ounce of strength she possessed. It eased open with a groan. She shunted it a couple more times until it was wide enough for her to wiggle through.

Pulling herself up was hard work and she was astounded that she had the strength to do it. Her fingertips felt like they were bleeding as she clung to the rough concrete and ran her feet up the wall. Slithering through the small opening, she clutched at the grass of their lawn, pulling and clawing until she was out.

She scrambled behind the bush at the corner of the house.

A light flicked on upstairs, illuminating the front lawn. He was checking her bedroom.

She stayed crouched in the shadows, trying to focus on the simple act of breathing and not let her mind go wild. Insanity was pushing its way in, trying to paralyze her. She couldn’t let it. Her parents were dead. Dead! And now their killer wanted her too.

Her bedroom light flicked off. The lawn around her fell into darkness and Lucy did the only thing she could.

She ran.

She had no idea where she was supposed to go. If that man knew her name and all about her family, then he probably knew her friends too. She instinctively knew to stay clear of Maria’s house. She had no other family and there was no way she was endangering any of their family friends.

It had always been the three of them. When two only children get married and have only one child, once their parents die, that’s it. And that was the case with the little Tate family. They were it.

Except now only Lucy remained.

Sobs punched out of her as she propelled her body down the dark street. She couldn’t bang on anyone’s door asking for assistance. Her parents had just been murdered by someone powerful. An officer of the law! That’s what he’d called himself!

Worse still, he was crooked and she was screwed.

As her feet pounded the pavement, ducking into the shadows at any opportunity, Lucy knew one thing. She was on her own. And if she was going to survive at all, she needed to keep running.

5

Zach

March 2014

I always left for school early on Wednesdays. I liked to fit in a morning swim before class started. I found it relaxing and a much more enjoyable form of exercise than running. It gave me time to think and it was basically the only time I was ever alone. I love my family and friends more than anything, but they all talked… a lot. The beauty of silence was lost on all of them except Elliot. He knew how to just sit and not say anything.

I grinned as I thought of my deadpan friend. The guy hardly ever smiled, came across as gruff and aggressive, but I could count on Elliot Strickland for anything. He was gold, just the kind you needed to excavate, and it had taken me three years of middle school to do that. Now that I’d won him over, he’d be loyal to me for life. That’s just the kind of guy he was.

Flicking on the blinker, I turned toward school, noticing a runner as I did. Her strides were long and steady. She had a really nice style. I couldn’t help admiring her as I slowly drove past. Her blonde ponytail swung like a pendulum. She maintained a quick pace too. She’d leave me in the dust for sure.

I glanced in the rearview mirror as I passed her and nearly swerved into the other lane.

Dani?

Wow. She just kept on surprising me. What was she doing running to school?

Where did she live?

I really wanted to stop and pick her up, but she was dressed for running and I guessed she didn’t want to have it cut short by me. The little backpack strapped tightly to her back told me she was heading to school and would no doubt shower up there and head to class.

I tried not to think about her showering as I pulled into the parking lot.

I was determined to prove my friends wrong. This wasn’t about love and attraction. It was about intrigue. My mission was to work out Danielle Harrison, not score a new girlfriend.

I shook off images of her sleek muscles working in a steady rhythm as she ran to school, and headed for the swimming pool locker room. Ten minutes later I adjusted my goggles and dove into the pool. The cold shock hit me, but eased quickly as my legs and arms fell into an easy tempo. I wasn’t after speed today. My goal was seventy-five lengths. I had been upping it by four lengths every week this year. It wasn’t an Olympic-sized pool. I think it was twenty meters and I wanted to be able to swim one hundred lengths by the time I graduated. I knew I was running out of weeks, but I’d speed up in May if I had to. I still had a couple of months to go.

With each stroke, my muscles warmed up and I made it past the initial pain barrier, soon slapping the wall and counting forty—over halfway there. As my feet pushed off the wall, I noticed another body moving above the water. I couldn’t see who it was or even if it was a guy or a girl. I just saw the person stride past the pool. I thought it was strange. I usually had it to myself. I had even checked with Coach Atkins that it was okay and he told me I’d probably be the only student dumb enough to come in that early. Wednesday was not a swim team practice day, so I saved up my longer swims for then. I was always the only one here.

I was about halfway back through the pool, feeling fatigue for the first time, when the water rippled beside me. The temptation to stop and see who had just dived into the pool was strong and by the end of my next length, I could no longer resist. I put my elbows on the edge of the pool and caught my breath, waiting for my companion to reach me and hopefully bob out of the water to say hello.

Much to my delight, she did.

And much to my even greater delight, it was Dani.

Hey. She didn’t exactly grin, but her eyes were soft with a smile. Droplets of water fell from her chin as she dangled from the wall in the lane beside me.

I thought I was the only one dumb enough to swim before school.

Her lips rose and I caught a flash of those teeth again. I noticed they weren’t as straight as I thought. The tooth left of her front teeth stuck out just a little. It was cute.

Mr. Atkins told me that too, but a girl’s gotta exercise.

Didn’t you just run to school?

She tipped her head and shrugged before dropping back into the water and pushing off the wall.

I grinned before following suit, catching up with her a few moments later. I kept my speed the same as hers although I could have gone a touch faster.

We popped up on the other side of the pool. Dani brushed the droplets from her face. How many laps today?

I’ve lost count, but I was hoping to make seventy-five. I think I’ve got about thirty more to go.

Her eyes twinkled. Wow, that’s pretty good. She pursed her lips, then nodded. I think I can try for thirty. I’ll race ya.

I chuckled, dropping into the water and pushing off before she could even say go. I sensed her beside me, carving through the water with a speed that could easily match mine. I kept a steady pace until I only had two more lengths to go, and then I took it up a notch, pushing us both. At the turn she was only just behind me. I decided not to slow and let her win. It was good for me to push myself, and I figured she could handle it.

She popped up just after me, out of breath, but looking alive and vibrant.

Nice swimming, she puffed.

I shrugged, trying not to glow too much over her compliment. I do it three times a week. It’s a good form of exercise.

Very true. She nodded. I like running better though. She pulled herself out of the pool and I couldn’t help admiring her form. She might be skinny, but her muscles were lean and tight. No doubt from all the running. Water cascaded off her curved legs